Best handgun to use?

Question

best least expensive handgun for self protection>?

Answer 1

assuming this is a 'nightstand' gun, or one simply for home defense, you can get a Taurus or Rossi.38 or .357 mag revolver for around $250-$300. I would not spend less than that on a handgun.

Answer 2

The best handgun to use I feel is one that a person is comfortable using and also knows how to use it. I started my lil pistol collection with a Beretta 92 for $475 about 3 years ago and its still doing great and then been buying more pistols like a 1911, Ruger .357 mag and .44 mag. With all the Taurus pistols that I see coming back to the gunshop needing repairs I tend to avoid purchasing them.
I would also have to agree with other posts that you should try out some pistols at a range and see what one feels good in your hands and that your comfortable with. One person may feel better with a Glock but the next guy may be Beretta or a Smith & Wesson.
For in the house a 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45 ACP would be decent rounds to use. One thing to consider is that with more powerful rounds they might go through a wall and hit a loved one. so its also good to make a plan for what to do in the case when you have to use the pistol.

Good Luck with you purchase and have fun.

Answer 3

The 9mm has the advantage of carrying capacity and will penetrate deeply. The .45ACP has more "knock down" power because it is a bigger bullet. You sacrifice carrying capacity, but you get a more powerful round. The .45 is a better man stopper. For something in the middle, you might consider a .40 (I have a Glock). I have read mixed reviews about the Sigma, I am glad that you enjoy yours. I would suggest sticking with the 9mm. It is much cheaper to shoot and you can continue to learn. The .45 is more expensive. I would suggest a Colt 1911 style .45. It is a classic. The Colts are expensive, but you can go with a similar style pistol from Kimber or some other brand. Ruger also make a decent .45 EDIT: H is right. I own many guns. I just wouldn't trade in my 9mm for a .45. Keep the 9 as it is cheaper to shoot at the range. Also, use defense loads for home defense to prevent overpenetration.

Answer 4

What is your life worth?

Is it worth a $99 Lorcin jam-o-matic? I know mine is not.

You do not want the cheap pistol you want the best value for your money.

Are you going to use this as a carry pistol or is this going to be a nightstand gun?

You need to look at exactly what you are looking for in a pistol not just price. How much experience do you have with firearms? If you do not have a whole lot I would recommend you go with a revolver. If you have experience with firearms I would recommend going with a semi auto. One from any of the major manufactures will do you good. Glock, Sig, Smith, Kimber, Colt, Browning, Beretta, Ruger, Wilson, Springfield ect... are but a few. I would go to a range most indoor ranges allow you to rent pistols. I would go in there and rent two or three at a time. Picking the one you like the best and renting it the next time you go back with one or two new ones. The best fit for you is going to be the best for you. Because when a gun fits you right it will point more naturally and the recoil will not be as harsh as a guns that fits poorly.

Good luck with your venture.

Answer 5

Take a look at Ruger. They are between 450 and 550. Taurus is cheaper, but not as good as Ruger. I like and own the Springfield Armory XD (4" and 5"barrels), Beretta Px4 Storm.

Your best bet is to go to a gun shop and take a look around. Once you buy a gun make sure you take a safety course and always practice safe firearm use.

Answer 6

A Walther P-1 9mm (P-38 sans steel frame) in 9mm. Hey. some West German soldier broke it in for you and it's only averaging about $250 on the surplus pistol market. A Taurus model 82 .38 SPL (vanilla flavor revolver in .38SPL that copies the S&W Model 10) sells for as low as $289 in my area brand new (stainless is only $319). Rock Island Arsenal and High Standard 1911 pistols are two .45ACP guns that usually go for around $350 new. Self-defense guns don't have to be of Sig P226 or Kimber Custom II 1911 quality. Don't let some fool give you that "is it worth your life" crap because they are only justifying the sizzle and glamour of what they have (as well as the unnecessary money spent). Gun nuts (like me) buy Kimber Custom II guns because we like them, they are accurate, and they are high quality. Besides, who wants the police to have a prized posession if you have to actually use it (and they will take it for the investigation and hearing and it will be awhile). THis is what secondary guns are for (or shotguns, whuch are a good idea for homeowners).

Answer 7

S&W model 642 or 442 makes an excellent concealable handgun for most nornal self-defense encounters. I bought mine for $370.00 USD + tax. Check it out.
http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm

Answer 8

Revolvers are cheaper than comparable semi-autos. Ruger is a good buy in my experience. I'd use a .357 Ruger if money was a consideration.

Answer 9

Taurus .38 or .357 snub nosed revolver. Snub nosed revolvers are small, light, pack a wallop, and are very reliable (never jam). Taurus makes a wide range of snub nosed revolvers from anywhere between $300-$500 and if you use federal hydra-shok hollow points in your snub, you got a nice package for self-defense.

Answer 10

If anyone tries to break into my house tonight, I'll be more than glad to give them a demonstration as to why I have a Smith and Wesson 32/20 for self-protection.
Can't quote prices, it was my dad's police revolver back-in-the-day; I inherited it.